Baltimore Co. puts 3 properties on sale to raise revenue

Officials say controversial plan could keep taxes down

Baltimore County officials are asking for bids on three aging county properties that have been put on sale as a way to raise revenue for new projects without having to raise taxes, but not everyone's happy about certain parts of the plan.

The properties include a fire station, a police substation and a government center that includes a police precinct.

"We're going to try and sell the property and generate enough money to build the (new) buildings for free, and then any leftover money that we have, we're going to invest in school renovation projects," said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.

He called the plan creative, but it hasn't been without controversy.

The county plans to put a new Towson fire station where a fueling station currently is at Towsontown Boulevard and Bosley Avenue. The original idea to put it at Towson Manor Park drew criticism and anger from some residents.

A Facebook page with nearly 200 members is criticizing another part of the plan to move the Northpoint Government Center, which includes a police precinct, to Eastwood Elementary Magnet School. The Eastwood students would be moved to other schools under the plan, but some of them aren't happy about it.

One Facebook commenter said, "We are very unhappy about this. We want our school to stay. The police station needs to stay where it is. ... Why move it further away?? Leave our school alone!"

Kamenetz said he understands parents' frustrations, but the benefits outweigh the negatives.

"I know that the school system is talking to the parents there and the principals, and they are all engaged about different ideas. Could it be a kindgarten through third grade, or kindergarten through eighth grade? They're looking at different models that could really be an improvement for these kids," he said.

County officials said they hope to have high enough bids for the properties by April 5.

"If we do, we'll take it before the County Council, and they'll have to approve the sale of public land. If we don't get enough money to achieve our goal of building a building for free, then we'll go back to the drawing board," Kamenetz said.